Patio de la Reja, Granada

Courtyard in Granada

Fountain And Viewing Platform Patio De La Reja Alhambra

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Shesmax

The Patio de la Reja is a quiet, atmospheric courtyard located north of the Palacio de los Leones in the Alhambra's Palacio Nazaríes. Built during the 17th century alongside the Habitaciones de Carlos V, it reflects a shift from Nasrid design to Christian architectural sensibilities. Its stone fountain, tall cypress trees, and iconic wrought iron grille make it one of the things to do in Granada and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada.

Unlike the ornate Nasrid courtyards nearby, the Patio de la Reja feels more like a monastic cloister, offering a peaceful transition between palace rooms. Visitors often pause here to appreciate the blend of Renaissance stonework and the subtle remnants of earlier palace structures.

History and Significance of Patio de la Reja
Things to See and Do in Patio de la Reja
How to Get to Patio de la Reja
Practical Tips on Visiting Patio de la Reja
Where to Stay close to Patio de la Reja
Is Patio de la Reja Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Patio de la Reja
Nearby Attractions to Patio de la Reja

History and Significance of Patio de la Reja

The Patio de la Reja was constructed between 1654 and 1655, a century after the Christian conquest of Granada. It was part of a larger scheme to adapt the northern side of the Nasrid palaces into a set of imperial apartments for the Habsburg monarchs. These changes reflect the evolving use of the Alhambra as a royal residence, storage area, and administrative space.

Its name derives from the wrought iron grille installed on the southern wall in 1655. This grille functioned both as a balcony and as a secure corridor connecting the Habitaciones de Carlos V. The patio was also traditionally known as Patio de Juana la Loca, based on the belief that barred rooms nearby were once associated with Juana I of Castile—though this attribution remains uncertain.

The grille may have originally served to protect valuable objects kept in the adjacent rooms, including royal jewellery. Over time, the patio became a functional passageway as well as a contemplative courtyard.

Things to See and Do in Patio de la Reja

At the centre of the patio stands a stone fountain composed of a white marble basin reused from an earlier structure. Water flows gently from the cup into an octagonal marble base, creating a soothing atmosphere that contrasts with the dense ornamentation of the Nasrid palaces.

In the corners of the courtyard, century-old cypress trees rise above the walls, lending height, shade, and a strong sense of continuity with Andalusia's historic garden traditions. The courtyard's layout and stone surfaces evoke the feel of Christian cloisters, providing an interesting comparison to the gardens and patios of Islamic Granada.

At the western end, a wide opening offers a view of the massive basement of the Sala de la Barca. This chamber, known in the 17th century as the Sala de las Ninfas, once housed female statues that are now in the Palace of Carlos V. The contrast between Renaissance interventions and surviving Nasrid architecture makes this space especially intriguing.

How to Get to Patio de la Reja

The Patio de la Reja is located north of the Baño de Comares and east of the Sala de la Barca, within the Palacio Nazaríes. The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada's main railway station offers connections to Málaga, Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona, making train travel a convenient option before visiting the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is possible, but parking near the Alhambra is limited and best arranged in advance or approached early in the day. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Patio de la Reja

Suggested tips: Pause by the fountain to enjoy the contrast between Renaissance and Nasrid design elements.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon, when the courtyard is shaded and quiet.
Entrance fee: The Patio de la Reja is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Opening hours: For opening times of the Patio de la Reja see Alhambra Opening Times.
Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/edificios-lugares/patio-de-la-reja
How long to spend: Around 10 minutes as part of a wider palace visit.
Accessibility: Some steps and uneven surfaces may be present in nearby rooms.
Facilities: Toilets and cafés are available elsewhere in the Alhambra.
Photography tip: Use the wrought iron grille as a framing element for atmospheric shots.
Guided tours: Many tours mention this courtyard when exploring the imperial apartments.
Nearby food options: Cafés near the Alhambra entrance or restaurants in the Albaicín.

Where to Stay close to Patio de la Reja

For an unforgettable stay inside the monument, the historic Parador de Granada remains unmatched. Close by, Áurea Washington Irving offers stylish rooms inspired by literary history. Travellers seeking charm and proximity will enjoy Hotel América near the palace approach.

Is Patio de la Reja Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Patio de la Reja is worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere, its distinctive Renaissance character, and its role in the story of the Alhambra's transformation under Christian rule. Though small, it offers a refreshing contrast to the ornate Nasrid halls around it.